#HistoryInTheMaking: Tiffany McAfee
Today we are celebrating Tiffany McAfee, principal at East Harlem Scholars Academy Middle School! An educator for almost two decades, this self-proclaimed book nerd says the key to her heart is a gift card to a local bookstore. She loves watching murder mysteries and doing puzzles -- and she loves our scholars! Get to know this awesome educator-advocate.
You became principal during a global pandemic. How has this affected your approach to running your school?
We are all entering brand new paths on our journey of teaching and learning, and it is something that I consider with each and every decision that I make.
Our young people are learning how to be independent and how to use technology as a part of their learning experience. I also consider the socialization part of school in a virtual world. We ALL miss being social and seeing each other, but our young people truly miss their homeplace—the love, safety, and care—that school provides for them. It is not about replicating the experiences (that doesn’t work); it's about designing new virtual experiences that support the social well being of our young people.
We want to create quality experiences that allow our them to build and uncover their own identity. To see themselves as brilliant people who we have partnered with to become independent learners. To build criticality so they can question how power, privilege and oppression exists in their community and the world. To develop and refine academic skills and also to use technology as a learning resource and tool.
Black and brown families have been hit especially hard during the pandemic. How does your team support our scholars during this time?
Our ultimate desire is to make school a homeplace for young people. Building from bell hooks’ concept of homeplace, we want all young people to not only feel loved, but know the actions of love. We continue to have our Friday Community Circles, where it is about celebrating them, their brilliance and greatness. All non-classroom teachers, including me, teach a “specials” class so that we can connect with all young people. In addition we are having virtual recess and monthly student events to build community.
Our social workers provide brave spaces for young people to voice and share as well. We are also creating more opportunities for families to be partners in the work. It is also important to be a voice of encouragement for young people. I record a principal's video every week for Community Circle, where I always have a message of empowerment. It's important to me that they see me and hear my voice. I am their biggest fan and cheerleader - though you probably won't find me doing any flips! They will, however, hear me scream their names in joy!!
You say you were “born to teach.” What drew you to education?
Mr. Warr, my fourth grade teacher. He held me to the highest expectation at all times. I remember rewriting an essay four times for a contest. I asked him why I had to make so many corrections. And he stated in a firm voice, "You never know. You may win." And I did!! At that moment he became my person. The person I remembered when academics got tough, to remind me that I could do it. I just want to be a young person's Mr. Warr. My ancestors died for me to be here, not even knowing who I would be, yet understanding who I could be. It is my greatest honor to do the same for young people of the present and future.
What is your approach to Black History Month? What types of activities do your teachers do with the students? How does the school make the month meaningful for scholars?
We push for texts that allow young people to see themselves. Our STEM teachers use their platforms to post facts of the day highlighting Black folx in the field. This week in morning advisory, young people are learning about the future of Black History; we are highlighting one of our very own, Trinity Benjamin, an eighth grader who started her own lip care line called Shay Cosmetics. Each Friday, Community Circle has been dedicated to a specific theme where scholars play trivia games and also learn BHM facts.
While we lean into BHM to highlight some of the great inventions, actions of activism, authors, and leaders of the past and present, it is the ultimate goal for young people to see the work of Black & IPOC every single day. Representation matters.
What does Black History Month mean to you?
It reminds me of the greatness of my people and the pure beauty in being Black. It also reminds me to be do exactly what James Brown said: Say it loud, I am Black and I am proud. Our history isn't just slavery. When we tell the story we must tell the FULL story. It is our brilliance that created civilizations and sustained nations. Our joy is an act of resistance, and I am grateful to tell our story each and every day by my mere existence.